can't a man have some coffee in peace

[melancoffeea]

[The thread that connects him to the supreme primarch's power has unraveled, taking with it his wings. Rent of what makes him an archangel, he's no better than a human with a purpose thrust unto him by a weakened witch. All in all, the whole situation reeks of nonsense.

Indolence won't help his brooding any. Sandalphon tours the city instead, pointedly taking the less populated path. Even then, too many people approach him with their wares and saccharine smiles, and he rebuffs each one with a single-word response. It's not soon enough when he slips into a shop that smells faintly of coffee, hoping for some peace and quiet.

But even here, the employees jump at every person to come around. Sandalphon grits his teeth in reflex annoyance when a rehearsed greeting and a request for an order is thrown his way. He hadn't intended to buy anything. Still, he can't just turn around and leave.]

Fine. Give me coffee.

[That unleashes a whole new can of beans. Regular or decaf? Perhaps a mocha, a latte, or a cappucino? And what about ice?

Does any of this matter? No one makes coffee like Lucifer. It hasn't been more than two hours, and Sandalphon wants to quit Shehui.]

That doesn't matter to me. Make what you want.

[At the very least, the service is quick—too quick. Sandalphon eyes the cup in his grasp with mild suspicion. What's with the lid?]

Comments

[supremo]

[It feels like his life has been filled with a lot of "firsts" lately, which is saying something for a being that has existed as long as he has. He, too, finds himself feeling distinctly human, even if this isn't a normal situation even for them. (Probably. Mostly. We all know it still happens sometimes.)

It's been a long time since something was so new to him. The uncertainty is certainly concerning (after all, how best can he do what he's meant to do if he does not know anything about this place to begin with?), but at the same time, there's something sort of exciting about it, too. Of course, it wasn't exactly ideal—this is basically the complete opposite of how he'd expected his future to go, but... Well, it wasn't like he could just sit around and do nothing, either. He would not have been brought here without good reason.

So it's without hesitation that Lucifer sets out to explore. It's interesting to see what's different and what's the same, and— well, it's only natural that he ends up here eventually, too.

His experience is similar to Sandalphon's in that the employees seem almost too eager to serve him, but it differs in that... the patrons are kind of the same. He isn't in the little shop long before people start crowding around him, determined for him to let them buy him a drink.

...o-oh dear.]

That's very kind of you, but I—

[But they're too busy arguing with each other to listen to him... He just got here and this battle has already been lost.]

[melancoffeea]

[As his luck (or the lack thereof) would have it, the coffee shop grows exponentially in volume. As if that weren't bad enough, the patrons of the cafe start to leave their seats one by one and crowd someone near the entrance, shoving each other—and Sandalphon—in the process.

A bodily shove is nothing to Sandalphon; however, the cup in his hand isn't so fortunate. A hard knock of an elbow sends the drink careening, where it splashes onto the floor in a spectacular explosion of one (1) plastic lid and hot coffee.

The coffee spreads throughout the tiles, staining the shoes of those nearby. With his miffed gaze glued to his precious purchase, Sandalphon has yet to notice the most significant victim of the accident.]

[supremo]

[It wasn't supposed to be like this... While not the first time something like this has happened, Lucifer always finds himself feeling at a loss when it does. They're not listening to him, but he feels responsible for this, so he can't just walk away... But he's not sure how else he might appease them, either.

He attempts a few more protests ("Excuse me, it's alright." and "There's no need to fight over this!") but they fall on deaf ears, so ultimately, he just kind of... tries to slip away. Maybe, if he leaves, they'll forget why they'd even been arguing. Still, he feels like he should buy something before he goes, at least as an apology for accidentally causing a commotion, and so he makes his way to the counter to do just that.

But, ah...]

Coffee has come a long way, it seems.

[He's intrigued by this but also, he doesn't know where to start... There's all kinds of unfamiliar terms and options—things he'd never even considered putting in coffee. (Exciting!) The employee at the counter doesn't seem troubled by his pace, though, fortunately—in fact, they're already eagerly suggesting things he should totally try, and they would be happy to give it to him on the house, just this once.]

[melancoffeea]

[The coffee is a lost cause. There's no salvaging the spilled drink—but he does pick the lid and empty cup off of the floor, and an employee is already rushing over to mop up the mess. He dumps the waste into the nearest bin, then spins on his heels to eye the burgeoning crowd.

The culprit who'd knocked into his drink is long gone. Inwardly, Sandalphon thinks, What nonsense.

—or so he assumes. Without realizing, he has directed his thought outward.

That's more than enough. With a final glare, he turns away to exit the shop and free himself from this hell.]

[supremo]

[It's the sound of those familiar words in his head that immediately pull Lucifer's attention away from the menu and the doting employee. Had he really heard that? He supposed it was possible—apparently, telepathy was a thing that did not require much skill or effort for those who had been brought here like he had. But it almost feels too good to be true. (And that's such a selfish thing. For the sake of others, it'd be better if it weren't true, but for his own...)

Well, there was only one way to find out, and he'd rather know sooner rather than later. He might be wrong, but...

'Sandalphon? Is that you?'

He has a hundred questions, but that's a good place to start.]

[melancoffeea]

[The voice is like a swift punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of Sandalphon. He pauses mid stride on the street, less than a yard from the door, with wide eyes and an unnatural tension set in his shoulders.

The noise of everyday life in Shehui fades into the background. In its absence, white noise seems to fill his mind.

In his shock, his thoughts have frozen and he manages only an audible whisper of pure disbelief.]

Lucifer?

[supremo]

[He waits for a moment, but there's no response. Had he been wrong?

'Perhaps I imagined it.' Unfortunate, but probably for the best. 'If I've intruded upon your thoughts, I apologize.'

It would be better if Sandalphon wasn't here, but maybe a part of him couldn't help this wishful thinking, that if he could be here, then— maybe he could see him again, if only once.

Well, back to the doting employee, who's actually just ecstatic that Lucifer is paying attention to her again—]

[melancoffeea]

[It had to have been the wind. There's no way that he could have heard Lucifer's voice with such warm clarity, even if those words had sounded more achingly real than anything his memory can possibly conjure.

But there can be no doubt now. The voice continues in his head like it's the most natural correspondence, and Sandalphon, in his panic, scrambles at the notion of being left behind.

'Wait, Lucifer!']

[supremo]

[Stop... You'll give him dokis...

But finally, there's the response, and it's— well, it's a little worrisome, but it's a relief to hear it, too. As the barista happily heads off to make his drink for him, Lucifer finds himself relaxing a bit. Even though he can't see him, his heart feels at ease.

'I thought I heard your voice.' His thoughts sound content, despite the panic in Sandalphon's own. He's just— happy. 'Where are you?']

[supremo]

[It's only gotten colder in Shehui. It seemed like Lucifer was right in thinking that they'd arrived during winter, but what he hadn't predicted was that it was also just in time for the holidays, apparently.

It's kind of an exciting prospect, honestly. As with most things, he was very familiar with the concept—but only in theory. The vast majority of his life had been spent as an observer, and so he'd only ever been able to "enjoy" the holidays from afar. It wasn't unenjoyable that way—even from where he was, high above all the rest, he could feel the change in the atmosphere that came when the realm settled down to celebrate. But opportunities to spend it like others did were very few and far between.

This is why, despite Lucifer's... troubles in public, he insists that they go explore the city together that evening, to see the lights and the decorations themselves. "It's a rare opportunity," he reminds Sandalphon, who probably knows it even better than anyone else.]

It seems as though this world's holiday celebrations aren't unlike our own.

[His words betray his awe, though. It's cold, but he hardly notices, his mind entirely wrapped up in trying to take in all the little details—the colorful lights, the glittering decorations, the sweet smells of peppermint and gingerbread that usually didn't matter too much to beings like them. It's such a surreal feeling, being able to stand in the middle of all of this.]

[melancoffeea]

[The last thing Sandalphon wants is to cage Lucifer like he'd been in the lab. Hence, when Lucifer insists on going out for the holidays, he doesn't resist, although they agree to go out after dark for the same reason that they've been steering clear from public. This, as it turns out, was a wise choice.

All of this is new to him. The lights, the decor and decorations, the sweet aroma permeating the streets . . . Certainly, the denizens of Shehui are in a celebratory mood. He can tell that much, and being around people isn't new to him. But Sandalphon doesn't recall a celebration in the Sky Realm that reflects what he's experiencing here (and he doubts that he will: There won't be a holiday back there where he'll be walking side-by-side with Lucifer).

Such is the case for a lab experiment, he supposes. He still has much to learn.]

Are they? I'm not too familiar with them. [Ah, but that sounds awfully negative by itself, doesn't it? So he adds:] You should tell me about this one.

[supremo]

[It's not at all surprising that he doesn't know, but it still saddens him a bit, that Sandalphon had not had the chance to experience something like this yet. (And he wondered, would he? Would he experience it as he did, in a world isolated from all the rest, or like they are here, now, mixed in with a dwindling crowd?) But it's better not to dwell on such things, at least for the moment—it was better to think of what he could do right now.

Besides, there's something almost nostalgic about it, being able to share his accumulated knowledge with Sandalphon like this. He doesn't mind this part.]

Beliefs and traditions vary from place to place, but it is a time of peace usually celebrated by spending time together with one's loved ones. The decorations and imagery here are quite similar to what you might see in certain towns and cities back home. [He gestures to the window of a nearby shop, decorated with colorful lights forming the shapes of cute little snowmen and snowflakes.] In some cultures, an exchange of gifts is an integral part of the celebration.

[Also, Santa Claus is there.]

[melancoffeea]

[Sandalphon hums as he follows Lucifer's gesture, drinking in the details of the lights with a long glance.

This whole occasion sounds like something loved ones ought to be doing for each other every day, if someone were to ask him. At the same time, he supposes that he can understand the desire to show greater appreciation for the other party. A small moment to step back and recognize what is . . .

Briefly, he notes that he has nothing to give Lucifer, then dismisses the thought. Archangels don't observe such holidays. They merely observe, in a different definition of the word.]

Judging by the stalls, it looks like that holds true for this culture as well.

[No Santa Claus yet, but potential gifts are everywhere.]

[supremo]

Indeed. It's quite interesting how this world can be so different from our own, and yet events happened in such a way that this entire celebration would still be similar to ones seen in our own world.

[This is such a nerdy thing that only he cares about, but it's fascinating. It wasn't even his job to watch over this place, but he'd spent his whole life just— watching. Everything. So it's hard not to make the comparisons.]

The feeling is similar, too. It's different from when we first arrived here.

[Even now, as it was getting later, the streets were still busy with people hurrying about, finishing up any last minute business for the night. But it wasn't just that they were busy—it's that they were busy for the sake of making others happy. Somehow, you could just— feel that.]

[melancoffeea]

[He remembers when they first arrived. They, the Coven, were treated like a circus show—something to gawk or sneer at with the sole exception of Lucifer, who drew attention from the opposite end of the spectrum. Current celebrations seem to have provided the indigenous people with a more pleasant occasion on which to turn their focus.

They're fortunate that no one has yet to cause a scene over Lucifer, Sandalphon thinks as his gaze drifts to a stall selling a wide variety of baubles. None of the wares catches his eye, but he'd have to be blind to miss the jovial mood among vendors and patrons alike.]

It's certainly festive. I wonder . . . What is it that drives humans toward such events?

[Mortal whimsy? Or perhaps a sense of yearning? Whatever it is, it's a facet of evolution that he's yet to properly grasp.]

[supremo]

It's difficult to say, exactly. There could be a number of reasons. [It depended on the celebration, but in this case...] In many cultures, this celebration has its roots in religion, but of course, not everyone adheres to such things. For some, it may be a matter of tradition. I imagine others may simply enjoy the practice.

[Who didn't like having an excuse to celebrate, tbh—

But even though it's easy to explain why others might care, he can't quite explain why he would. Did he care? Probably not. It wasn't like he'd ever properly celebrated before. There was no need for them to. And yet...]

[melancoffeea]

[Celebrating for the sake of celebrating is nonsense. Sandalphon would like to have a word with those people.

In any case, all of those reasons are rooted in the intangible. At the very least, religion can be traced back to a significant historical event. He can't criticize this much; the Sky Realm's creation myth is just that, and the details are hazy at best. Either way, this tells him one thing.]

Good grief. Humans are emotional creatures.

[He makes his remark lightly, because he's the last archangel who gets to say this. One might even argue that his tone is almost one of fondness.]

[melancoffeea]

[Their arrangement has reached the point where Lucifer is able to venture out more frequently than before, provided that it's under the black veil of night. It's nonsense that Lucifer must continue to pay for the mortals' lack of self-control, but he doesn't seem to mind, nor has he put in a complaint. Thus, for the time being, this is how it'll go.

Sandalphon, on the other hand, continues to be active during all hours of the day. It isn't until much later in the night that he returns to the apartment, where he expects to exchange any pertinent information they've gathered with Lucifer.

The door slides open with the swipe of his Shehui-issued card. Sandalphon manages one foot inside when something small and gray darts out of his vision and disappears under the couch.]

What . . .

[Did something sneak into the apartment? Not good. He walks over to the couch and drops to his knees for a peek at what might be hiding in the shadowy cranny.]

[supremo]

[Lucifer enters the room not long after. Truthfully, he's looking for the evasive animal(?), too, but he doesn't seem particularly concerned about it. In fact, when he notices Sandalphon, he greets him calmly, casually, just like always.]

Ah. Welcome back, Sandalphon.

[Is he just not gonna talk about the tiny gray creature flitting about the apartment...

Yeah, pretty much.]

[melancoffeea]

[This lack of concern for a potential invasion is highly alarming, and Sandalphon has words for Lucifer.

But before that happens, he glances over his shoulder and nods, then returns to his crouch. (He's happy to see Lucifer, of course.) It's pitch black under the couch, so he can't see anything. He'd sweep the space with his arm, but there's no telling what's lurking in the darkness.

If Lucifer isn't saying anything, perhaps it means that he's not aware of a mysterious presence in the apartment.]

Something's here.

[supremo]

Oh? [He tilts his head a little, thoughtfully.] Do you mean the kitten?

[First of all, that implies there is potentially more than one mysterious presence in the apartment—]

[melancoffeea]

[They will have words.

Sandalphon's head snaps up, then back down as he visually sweeps the dark space under the couch. Nothing. It's hiding from him.]

. . . Kitten?

[supremo]

Indeed. I set it down when I returned, but I haven't been able to get a hold of it since.

[That doesn't explain anything!!]

[melancoffeea]

[Set it down? He brought it inside?]

Why did you bring a cat into the apartment?

[And more importantly, where did he get it?]

[supremo]

I fear I was unsure of where else to bring it. [That also explains nothing. Incredible. Fortunately, this time, he elaborates:] As I was returning here for the evening, I ran into someone watching over an abundance of kittens. When they saw me, they were very insistent that I take one home.

[He leaves out the part where they showered him in compliments(?), saying that he was very beautiful and seemed like a very gentle, caring person, one who would do well with children or animals or even their grandpa. It was really awkward but as usual, his protests fell on deaf ears.]

It appears as though the mother recently gave birth, and they were unable to care for so many kittens. I could not abandon it, but I knew not where else to take him.